Breast cancer trial in Australia and New Zealand tests chemotherapy avoidance

The OPTIMA Pre-menopausal Extension clinical trial is opening this month at medical sites across Australia and New Zealand, Medianet News Hub reported. The study investigates whether younger pre-menopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer can safely avoid chemotherapy by using genomic testing to guide their treatment decisions. [1]

Medianet News Hub reported that the study will enrol pre-menopausal women between the ages of 35 and 54. Researchers will use the Prosigna genomic test to measure specific genetic factors in the tumor cells, building on earlier findings from the original OPTIMA trial that allowed individuals aged 40 and older to forego chemotherapy. [1]

According to Wikipedia, some types of breast cancer lack estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, which is known as triple-negative breast cancer. As FTMQ Health reported earlier, researchers in separate studies have also been examining ways to help cancer patients better tolerate chemotherapy side effects through supportive care interventions. [2][4]

The trial aims to provide targeted data on whether genomic testing can successfully prevent unnecessary chemotherapy treatments specifically in younger women. Medianet News Hub noted that the trial expands upon previous research regarding personalized breast cancer care. [1]